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Industry News

Bell Media Studios’ slate expands with two new productions for 2019/20

From a media release:

In advance of the #CTVUpfront next week, Bell Media announced today the commissioning of two new series for Crave from Bell Media Studios, along with the renewal of 13 other programs for 2019/20. In the UNTITLED ELAINE “LAINEY” LUI SERIES, THE SOCIAL co-host and ETALK senior correspondent dishes on some of Crave’s most buzz-worthy programming. Based on ETALK reporter Chloe Wilde’s highly successful lifestyle website Healthy is Hot, HEALTHY IS presents a variety of healthy living tips in each episode.

From morning, noon, and night, Bell Media Studios has Canadians covered with its diverse, leading slate of lifestyle, entertainment and factual series, and live events. With 400 hours of content produced each week, Bell Media Studios’ daily programs, all renewed for new seasons this fall, reach an average of 7.5 million Canadians on Bell Media’s linear channels, and more than 3.7 million users across associated websites, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram accounts each week.

The UNTITLED ELAINE “LAINEY” LUI series features Lui, along with a variety of fascinating guests, providing perspective and irreverent commentary on some of Crave’s big-ticket, pop culture programming.

HEALTHY IS features Wilde, along with special guests, discussing health, beauty, empowerment, and self-love, in the midst of today’s highly pervasive social media culture.

Also from Bell Media Studios:

Canada’s most-watched national morning show, YOUR MORNING, returns for a new season this fall with hosts Ben Mulroney and Anne-Marie Mediwake, news anchor Lindsey Deluce meteorologist Kelsey McEwen, and contributing co-host Melissa Grelo.

CTV’s original daytime lineup dominates as the Top 2 most-watched Canadian daily lifestyle programs, THE MARILYN DENIS SHOW and THE SOCIAL, celebrate their 10th and seventh seasons respectively this September.

Canada’s most-watched entertainment newsmagazine ETALK kicks off its 18th season this September with unmatched exclusive access to the 44th annual Toronto International Film Festival®.

MUCH STUDIOS PRESENTS: MIKE ON MUCH IN CONVERSATION WITH, based on the fan-favourite podcast of the same name, enters production on a second season this summer.
Sold around the world in territories including Africa, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Latin America, Poland, CSA-nominated WHERE TO I DO? returns to Gusto for a third season in Spring 2020.

Major television events from Bell Media Studios continue in 2019/20 including THE 2019 IHEART RADIO MMVAs, THE ORIGINAL SANTA CLAUS PARADE, ETALK LIVE AT THE OSCARS, and the CSA-winning ETALK LIVE FROM THE OSCARS BALCONY.
Additionally, Bell Media Studios’ Exploration Production Inc. (EPI) division continues to produce entertaining and highly rated factual documentaries and series, for both Discovery Canada and more than 100 international broadcasters, including MIGHTY TRAINS, MIGHTY CRUISE SHIPS, and DISASTERS AT SEA, which all return with new seasons.

Bell Media Studios continues to work with some of the biggest brands in the Canadian market. Over the past year, Bell Media Studios programs have worked with more than 60 individual brands, have had more than 200 in-show integrations, more than 70 branded digital stories, and more than 60 social media integrations. The Bell Media Studios’ Branded Entertainment team also continues to produce original, consumer-focused branded campaigns targeting clients’ core audiences.

Commissioned by CTV:

YOUR MORNING
Hosted by Ben Mulroney and Anne-Marie Mediwake, with Lindsey Deluce (News), and Kelsey McEwen (Meteorologist), as well as contributing co-host Melissa Grelo, YOUR MORNING delivers original perspectives and unique insights into the headlines of the day, as well as weather, while showcasing lifestyle topics of interests to Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast.

THE MARILYN DENIS SHOW
Hosted by Marilyn Denis and taped before a studio audience, THE MARILYN DENIS SHOW is a daily lifestyle and entertainment talk show featuring Canadian and international celebrities and experts. Celebrities who have appeared on THE MARILYN DENIS SHOW include Hugh Jackman, Diane Keaton, Bradley Cooper, Harry Connick Jr., Shania Twain, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, Sarah McLachlan, Meghan Trainor, Jerry O’Connell, Eric McCormack, Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Howie Mandel, Jason Momoa, Danai Gurira, Milo Ventimiglia, Amy Poehler, Derek Hough, Tatiana Maslany, and many more. Top lifestyle experts who have appeared on the show include Nigela Lawson, Jamie Oliver, Dr. Oz, Daphne Oz, Jillian Michaels, Kortney & Dave Wilson, Mike Holmes, Scott McGillivray, The Property Brothers, Joe Zee, Clinton Kelly, Carson Kressley, Bryan Baeumler, Debbie Travis and more. THE MARILYN DENIS SHOW also airs in the Middle East and North Africa on Discovery Channel (MENA).

THE SOCIAL
Co-hosted by Melissa Grelo, Marci Ien, Cynthia Loyst, and Lainey Lui, with correspondent Jessica Allen, THE SOCIAL brings a fresh, daily perspective on the up-to-the-minute news, pop culture, and lifestyle topics that matter most to Canadians in a socially interactive format. Broadcast live in front of a studio audience, guests who have appeared on THE SOCIAL include Ryan Reynolds, Jann Arden, Alessia Cara, Stephen James, Chelsea Clinton, Jessica Alba, Katy Perry, Ice Cube, Demi Lovato, Danny DeVito, Drew Barrymore, Chris Tucker, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Kelly Clarkson, and Danai Gurira. In what feels like a can’t-miss lunch date with friends, the socially interactive series incorporates viewer feedback and exchange through Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

ETALK
Hosted by anchors Ben Mulroney and Danielle Graham, senior correspondents Lainey Lui and Traci Melchor, reporters Chloe Wilde and Tyrone Edwards, and L.A. correspondent Liz Trinnear, ETALK is the #1 most-watched entertainment newsmagazine in Canada. From the OSCARS® and the EMMY® Awards, to the GOLDEN GLOBE®, and iHeartRadio MMVAs, ETALK is front-and-centre, delivering up-to-the-minute news in film, television, music, and more. ETALK celebrates both home-grown talent and international stars.

THE ORIGINAL SANTA CLAUS PARADE
For the 10th straight year on CTV, the beloved family tradition and annual broadcasting event, THE ORIGINAL SANTA CLAUS PARADE officially kicks off the holiday season this November. The arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be amplified like never before with all-new floats, a star-studded roster of live yuletide performances, exclusive celebrity cameos and holiday greetings.

ETALK LIVE AT THE OSCARS
ETALK LIVE AT THE OSCARS is the only Canadian entertainment news outlet broadcasting live from the OSCARS red carpet. ETALK anchor and YOUR MORNING co-host Ben Mulroney interviews the stars as they arrive from his coveted position on the carpet, second only to host broadcaster ABC, while ETALK anchor Danielle Graham and ETALK and THE SOCIAL’s Lainey Lui report from the exclusive balcony position for a birds-eye view of the OSCARS red carpet.

ETALK LIVE: THE OSCARS BALCONY
Launched in 2018 with the highly successful inaugural digital special, which secured the Canadian Screen Award for Best Host, Web Program or Series, ETALK LIVE FROM THE OSCARS BALCONY returns for a third year in 2020. The special invites audiences to join Danielle Graham and Lainey Lui live from the balcony position for a raw, in-the-moment red carpet show. Whether analyzing red carpet run-ins, gushing over the night’s major fashion moments, or eavesdropping on Mulroney’s interviews with Hollywood’s biggest names on the carpet below, nothing gets by these two.

THE 2019 IHEARTRADIO MMVAs
Fans get the experience of a lifetime by putting them as close as humanly possible to their favourite artists and celebrities at THE 2019 IHEARTRADIO MMVAs. Past MMVA performers and presenters include: Alessia Cara, Ariana Grande, Awkwafina, Britney Spears, Bruno Mars, Camila Cabello, Carly Rae Jepsen, Drake, Ed Sheeran, Gigi Hadid, Halsey, Jonas Brothers, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Katy Perry, Kim Kardashian, Lady Gaga, Lorde, Miley Cyrus, Nick Jonas, Post Malone, Rihanna, Selena Gomez, Shawn Mendes, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, and many more. At THE IHEARTRADIO MMVAs, the audience is the priority; whether a foot from the stage or a foot from a television, computer, or mobile phone.

Commissioned by Discovery Canada:

MIGHTY TRAINS – Season 3
Each one-hour episode is a journey into the fascinating world of rail travel, as host Teddy Wilson tells the stories of six exceptional trains and their scenic locomotive routes through Switzerland, South Africa, Thailand, Norway, Italy, and Australia. Wilson follows the inner workings of these unique rail journeys with immersive and in-depth accounts from train drivers, load-masters, head chefs, track inspectors, rail traffic control officers, and passengers. MIGHTY TRAINS airs in more than 100 countries around the world, spanning the U.K., Germany, Australia, France, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, and throughout Asia.

MIGHTY CRUISE SHIPS – Season 4
The world’s most luxurious and cutting-edge cruise ships are highlighted when the Discovery original series MIGHTY CRUISE SHIPS sets sail for Season 4. The six-episode season takes viewers to South America, the Canary Islands, Japan and South Korea, the Caribbean, Spain, and Alaska, highlighting the best vessel on which to set course for each tantalizing destination. Every one-hour episode delivers a see-all, hear-all journey through every moment above and below deck, from the mechanics of modern sea-going to the human dramas of the seafarers and guest service staff.

DISASTERS AT SEA – Season 2
Already renewed for a third season, DISASTERS AT SEA Season 2 is scheduled to premiere on Discovery in early 2020. This six-episode, one-hour docudrama tells the unimaginable true story of a maritime disaster, combining harrowing re-enactments with expert analysis from marine investigators. Whether it’s survivor testimony about a sudden sound, GPS data about the ship’s speed, or the scatter pattern of wreckage at the bottom of the ocean, each piece of evidence helps investigators build a dramatic picture of the deadly chain of events. Armed with the newly-discovered facts uncovered by investigators, archival footage is combined with evocative re-enactments, CGI, and special effects to immerse viewers in each story and dramatically convey the catastrophic events. Each episode delivers a suspenseful journey into one of the deadliest jobs on the planet, the working men and women who choose this dangerous life, and the marine investigators who work tirelessly to help make the high seas a safer place.

Commissioned by Crave:

MUCH STUDIOS PRESENTS: MIKE ON MUCH IN CONVERSATION WITH – Season 2
Hosted by seasoned writer, director, and producer Mike Veerman, Max Kerman, lead singer of the multi-JUNO Award-winning rock band Arkells, and YouTuber and “pop culture aficionado” Shane Cunningham, each episode of MUCH STUDIOS PRESENTS: MIKE ON MUCH features long-form interviews, candid conversations, and comedic segments. Celebrity interviews include Alessia Cara, Jared Keeso (LETTERKENNY), Jodie Whittaker (DOCTOR WHO), Leon Bridges, Lights, Nile Rodgers, Noel Gallagher, and Sting & Shaggy.

Commissioned by Gusto:

WHERE TO I DO? – Season 3
Produced by Bell Media Studios and Motion Content Group, the eight-episode, half-hour lifestyle program is hosted by Canadian property and design expert Tommy Smythe (THE MARILYN DENIS SHOW, THE SEARCH FOR CANADA’S NEXT DESIGNER), who follows couples as they search for the wedding venue of their dreams. New episodes of WHERE TO I DO? air Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on Gusto. Episodes are also available now on Gusto’s YouTube channel as well as on Crave, CTV.ca, and the CTV app.

Jennifer Maclean is Executive Producer for YOUR MORNING. John Simpson is Executive Producer for THE MARILYN DENIS SHOW. Laura Scarfo is Executive Producer for THE SOCIAL. Manny Groneveldt is Executive Producer and Jennifer Morrison is Co-Executive Producer for ETALK. Jennifer Couke-Cosgrove is Executive Producer for WHERE TO I DO?. John Kampilis is Executive Producer for Bell Media Studios Specials. Kelly McKeown is Director of Production, EPI. Michelle Crespi is Executive Producer for Bell Media Studios. Leah Borkwood is Director, Bell Media Studios. Nanci MacLean is Vice-President, Bell Media Studios and President, Pinewood Toronto Studios.

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Industry News

Sherry White, Kerri MacDonald and Omnifilm Entertainment adapting Ami McKay’s, The Birth House

Froma media release:

Omnifilm Entertainment has secured the rights to the #1 Canadian and international bestseller,  THE BIRTH HOUSE (Penguin Random House Canada)—authored by Ami McKay and inspired by the real-life Scots Bay midwife heroine, Esther Rebecca Steele. Creative team Sherry White (Maudie, Little Dog, Ten Days in the Valley, Frontier) and Kerri MacDonald (Frontier, Little Dog, Republic of Doyle) are on board to develop the television series adaptation.

The cover of the book, The Birth House.An arresting portrait of the struggles that women have faced for control of their own bodies, THE BIRTH HOUSE is the story of Dora Rare, the first daughter in five generations of Rares. As apprentice to the outspoken Acadian midwife Miss Babineau, Dora learns to assist the women of a rural Nova Scotia community through infertility, difficult labours, breech births, unwanted pregnancies, and unfulfilling sex lives. During the turbulent World War I era, uncertainty and upheaval accompany the arrival of a brash new medical doctor and his promises of progress and fast, painless childbirth. In a clash between tradition and science, Dora finds herself fighting to protect the rights of women as well as the wisdom of the old ways that have been entrusted to her. Filled with compelling historic events and surprising detail—childbirth in the aftermath of the Halifax Explosion; unconventional relief efforts during the Spanish Flu epidemic in Boston; shared activism between the women’s suffrage movements in Canada, the US and the UK—THE BIRTH HOUSE is an unforgettable tale of women banding together to defend their traditions and create change in a world dominated by the politics of men.

Ami McKay is the author of three internationally bestselling novels—THE BIRTH HOUSE, The Virgin Cure and The Witches of New York, as well as the recent yuletide novella, Half Spent Was the Night. She began her writing career as a freelance journalist, writing and producing radio documentaries for programs such as CBC Radio’s Maritime Magazine, This Morning, OutFront, and The Sunday Edition, as well as NPR’s Soundprint in the United States.

This project is being pitched to potential buyers in the coming weeks.

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Industry News

Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television now accepting applications for its Women Directors Program

From a media release:

The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television (the Canadian Academy) today announced it is accepting applications for the third edition of its Canadian Academy Directors Program for Women. This year, Pinewood Toronto Studios joins the program as a sponsor, along with the continued support of Netflix, The RBC Emerging Artists Project, and Canada Media Fund. Submissions will be accepted starting today until Friday, June 21, 2019.

Formerly known as the Academy Apprenticeship for Women Directors, the Canadian Academy Directors Program for Women is designed to bolster the professional development of Canada’s women directors. Its activities provide invaluable and engaging hands-on experiences, including an exclusive professional development symposium, an online learning module, and curated on-set placements with high-profile directors and established production companies.

The 2019 Selection Committee comprises: Tracey Deer (Filmmaker/Director/Writer); Bill Evans (Executive Director, Alberta Media Production Industries Association); Moira Griffin (Producer & Strategist, New Bumper and Paint Productions); Caroline Habib (VP Development, New Metric Media); Christine Haebler (President & Producer, Terminal City Pictures); Kadidja Haïdara (Writer); Floyd Kane; (Showrunner & Executive Producer, Freddie Films); Mark Slone (President, Pacific Northwest Pictures); and Carole Vivier (CEO/Film Commissioner, Manitoba Film & Music).

Last year’s cohort includes: Kirsten Carthew (Yellowknife); Alicia K. Harris (Toronto); Kathleen Hepburn (Vancouver); Tiffany Hsiung (Toronto); Halima Ouardiri (Montreal); Kristina Wagenbauer (Montreal); Allison White (St. John’s); and Asia Youngman (Vancouver).

The coveted program is now accepting applications and those interested in applying can do so at no cost. The application period is May 23 to June 21, 2019.

The Canadian Academy and the Selection Committee of distinguished industry professionals will review the submissions and identify a shortlist of 20 applicants. Those shortlisted will have a video interview with the Academy in early August, with the final eight (8) emerging* women directors of this year’s program announced in late August.

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Industry News, Reality, Lifestyle & Documentary

Summer at Accessible Media Inc. is heating up! AMI-tv announces exciting original series and documentaries

From a media release:

Summer at Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) is hotter than ever! Today, AMI-tv unveiled new original and acquired television series and documentary programming to entertain and inform Canadians of all abilities in the coming weeks.

Additionally, AMI is excited to announce Season three of Mind Set Go begins filming soon, and Anaïd Productions is casting new participants. The series—featuring Canadians transforming their lives physically, emotionally and mentally with help from Paralympians—seeks individuals of all ages and abilities to share their life-changing journey. Those who are interested, and live in the Vancouver and Lower Mainland area, can send a recent photo and paragraph about themselves to casting@anaid.com. Casting closes May 25.

In keeping with AMI’s mandate of making accessible media for all Canadians, AMI’s original series and documentaries utilize Integrated Described Video (IDV) so they are accessible to individuals who are blind or partially sighted.

Highlights of AMI-tv’s upcoming summer programming include:

Sea School Marine Science Camp (Friday, May 24, at 7 p.m. Eastern)
AMI This Week Bureau Reporter Grant Hardy joins a group of blind and partially sighted high school students as they travel to the remote village of Bamfield, B.C., to learn about the sea—and the world beneath its waves—at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.

Level Playing Field (Friday, May 31, at 7 p.m. Eastern)
Hosted by Greg Westlake, Level Playing Field showcases and celebrates the power of sport by introducing audiences to the athletes, community groups, healthcare professionals and grassroots innovators who demonstrate a desire to help drive positive social change through sport. In Episode 2 of this AMI original, viewers meet Keely Shaw, who had a promising future in hockey until a brain injury almost robbed her of everything. Keely openly discusses dealing with partial paralysis and an eating disorder on the road to becoming one of the Top 5 Para-cyclists in the world.

The Systemic Effect (Saturday, June 1, at 8 p.m. Eastern)
How important is the link between oral health and general overall well-being? Interviews with accomplished oral health care practitioners reveal that treating the neglected oral health care of elderly residents brings both challenges and positive results. The findings uncovered in The Systemic Effect can set Canada’s course towards better, more economical health care and longer, healthier lives. The Systemic Effect is produced by Thomega Entertainment Inc. in association with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and Saskatchewan Oral Health Coalition.

Accidental Activist (Friday, June 21, at 7 p.m. Eastern)
Accidental Activist is an in-depth and captivating look at the life of Paul Vienneau, one of Halifax’s most compelling and effective disability advocates. The original documentary charts Paul’s journey from injury to recovery and disability rights activism. Through intimate interviews with Paul, his friends, family and fellow activists, the documentary paints an unflinching portrait of a complicated man who unintentionally discovered his true calling and has had a huge impact on his community.

Sound Insight (Friday, June 28, at 7 p.m. Eastern)
Sound Insight explores the impact sound has on the lives of people with disabilities. Host Alex Smyth, alongside Mark Zillman and Daniel Kish, describes the different ways hearing has shaped their lives. Zillman, a piano tuner who is blind, shows how his exceptional hearing helps him keep notes perfectly accurate. Kish, who had his eyes removed in childhood, uses echolocation to “see” his surroundings. And Alex, a hearing aid user, shares growing up with hearing loss through visits to his audiologist and family.

Double Tap TV (Wednesday, July 31, at 8:30 p.m. Eastern)
Double Tap Canada is joining a new platform! Building on the popular AMI-audio brand, Double Tap TV brings the same cutting-edge discussions on everything tech, with news, reviews and interviews—all with an eye on accessibility—to television. Join hosts Steven Scott and Marc Aflalo, alongside contributors Shaun Preece, Joeita Gupta and Jennie Bovard, as they help viewers better understand how technology can help in everyday life. Produced by Marc Aflalo Communications.

The Achieveables (Friday, Aug. 16, at 7 p.m. Eastern)
In this project from Render Digital, a group of adventurers with disabilities challenge stereotypes through feats of courage. The group will spend three days on the Kootenay River—known for its wild rapids, changing weather and stunning scenery—to tell a story of tenacity, community, pain and triumph in the face of obstacles.

All AMI-tv originals are available post-broadcast on demand at AMI.ca or the free AMI-tv App.

Image courtesy of Accessible Media Inc.

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Albedo, Industry News

Entertainment One and Brad Peyton announce Albedo starring Evangeline Lilly for Bell Media and Vudu

From a media release:

Entertainment One (eOne), together with Brad Peyton and Bell Media, today announced an eight-episode series order for a mystery drama titled ALBEDO for Bell Media in Canada, in partnership with Vudu in the US. The show marks a return to television for Golden Globe®-nominated actress Evangeline Lilly who will star and executive produce. Writing duo Max and Adam Reid serve as series creators and executive producers. Brad Peyton is also set to direct and executive produce the straight-to-series project that will be internationally distributed by eOne.

One-hundred-fifty years in the future, detective Vivien Coleman is dispatched to the edge of our solar system to investigate a scientist’s mysterious death on board an isolated space station. She soon finds herself trapped and cut-off from Earth, along with the station’s small crew of brilliant scientists – all murder suspects – all harboring their own secrets… What begins as a classic murder mystery evolves into a fight for survival that may threaten the future of our species.

Evangeline Lilly won a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2006 and was nominated for a Golden Globe Award in 2007 for her role in LOST. She most recently reprised her role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with box office record-shattering AVENGERS: ENDGAME. Lilly’s extensive roster of work also includes the upcoming film DREAMLAND and past films such as LITTLE EVIL, THE HOBBIT and THE HURT LOCKER.

Max and Adam Reid are best known for most recently producing and writing Amazon Prime Video series, SNEAKY PETE, and the eOne pilot for YouTube Premium, DARK CARGO, executive produced by Ben Stiller and Nicky Weinstock.

Brad Peyton’s work includes films such as RAMPAGE and  the Netflix and Discovery Canada series FRONTIER. 

In development at Bell Media since 2016 and expected to begin pre-production in May, ALBEDO is the latest international original drama from Canada’s leading content creation company. The series will be presented exclusively in Canada on Bell Media platforms.

Vudu is an ad-supported, Internet-based home entertainment service that provides access to a library of movies, images, television shows, artwork, and/or other episodic content. Its services can be accessed through computers, mobile devices, and Internet-capable televisions, as well as proprietary devices manufactured by the company and third-party devices. Vudu Inc. is a subsidiary of Walmart.

ALBEDO is produced by eOne in association with Bell Media, and the participation of the Canada Media Fund, the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit and the Province of British Columbia Production Services Tax Credit.

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